Recent research indicates that brachycephalic dogs may still communicate well despite their altered facial structures. The study challenges previous assumptions about their ability to express emotions and communicate with other dogs due to their unique morphology. However, the study's limited scope highlights that real-world communication abilities remain uncertain. Importantly, the research does not absolve the breeding practices that have led to severe health issues for these dogs, demonstrating that while communication might be effective, breeding for extremes results in significant welfare concerns.
If a dog's face is so altered that it can't produce the full range of facial expressions typical of its species, wouldn't that impair communication?
It appears I may have been wrong, or at least partially wrong, about the idea that brachycephalic dogs struggle to communicate with their own kind.
Selective breeding for the wide, flattened facial features of some modern brachycephalic breeds has caused various skeletal changes, resulting in severe respiratory distress.
Regardless of communication ability, breeding for extreme features causes serious health and welfare issues, overshadowing the possible communication capabilities of these dogs.
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